The Blackhawks agreed to terms with pending restricted free-agent forward Alex Nylander on a one-year contract extension, the team announced Monday. His cap hit is $874,125.
Nylander, 23, missed the entire 2020-21 season with a knee injury but is expected to be ready to go for training camp in September, according to Blackhawks President/GM Stan Bowman.
"With Alex’s pedigree and being only 23-years-old, we feel as if there is still plenty of room for growth in his game," Bowman said in a statement. "He is just scratching the surface of the type of player we feel he is capable of becoming. This will be an important season for him to perform consistently and contribute offensively.
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"His size and skill are a unique combination that make him an intriguing option for our coaching staff to utilize anywhere in the lineup."
Nylander was acquired by the Blackhawks in July of 2019 from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for defenseman Henri Jokiharju. The former No. 8 overall pick in 2016 registered 26 points (10 goals, 16 assists) in 65 games during his first season with the Blackhawks in 2019-20.
While he played a middle-six role with the Blackhawks one season ago, Nylander's spot on the roster isn't guaranteed. It's a crowded forward group and he'll have to earn his way into the everyday rotation.
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